By boosting health we change the future

Prof. Tsenov, in recent years there has been a lot of talk about health. What is your perspective on this?

Health is a fundamental aspect of human life. The fact is, over the past few years, more and more attention has been paid to health, which is due to various factors, including the global COVID pandemic. In my view, health should be a top priority for people, communities and governments at all times because it is essential to a prosperous society.

What is your "diagnosis" on the state of healthcare in Bulgaria? What are its "chronic conditions"?

The healthcare system in Bulgaria faces a number of challenges. Among its "chronic diseases" are: insufficient funding, unequal access to health services, an aging population and medical workforce, as well as a number of administrative obstacles. Over time, these issues have led to serious disparities in our health outcomes compared to much of Europe, and addressing them is critical if we are to survive as a nation.

What treatment would you prescribe to the Bulgarian healthcare system?

In order to improve healthcare in Bulgaria, a comprehensive treatment plan is needed. It should include increased funding of the sector, optimization of resource allocation, implementation of health education and prevention programs, strengthening of primary care and promotion of innovation in health care delivery. I believe that public-private partnerships and, in general, the interaction between the individual participants and stakeholders in this system are of crucial importance in order to deal with the bad state of the Bulgarian health care.

In your opinion, what would be the working formula for interaction between national health policies and modern pharmacology – one that would ensure better health for Bulgarians?

The successful formula includes the promotion of cooperation in the field of scientific research and the introduction of innovative solutions, as well as the provision of faster and equal access to new medicinal products for Bulgarian patients. The regulatory framework must always prioritize the well-being of patients.

Great tech innovations are also highly characteristic of the pharma industry. What trends and challenges are on the agenda?

The pharmaceutical industry is indeed undergoing significant changes brought about by advances in technology, personalized medicine and the growing importance of data-driven decision making. Some of the challenges we face are purely regulatory, and others are related to the rising costs of research. At Astellas, we strive to constantly adapt by investing in research, digital solutions and responsible business practices.

Pharmaceutics is a modern business which involves huge investments. However, where is the healthy line between business seeking high returns and ethics related to human health?

Pharmaceutics, as an industry with huge investments in new solutions to old medical problems, requires a balance between financial success and our irrevocable responsibility to patients. This balance motivates each of us.

Astellas focuses not only on manufacturing medicines but also on creating value for patients. By participating as a partner in the healthcare system, Astellas strives to improve lives through innovative solutions. The company's commitment is to change the future by providing new therapies and improved healthcare.

How does Astellas achieve a good symbiosis between science, drug development, new technologies and market access?

By fostering a culture of innovation, we invest in research and use the most breakthrough technologies to discover and develop medicines that change people's lives. Of course, collaboration with academic institutions, healthcare facilities, medical professionals and regulatory bodies inevitably plays an important role in ensuring access to markets while respecting scientific rigour and ethics.

What is the strength of Astellas? Which of the company's great achievements would you single out?

Astellas' strength lies in our ability to meet unmet medical needs through innovative research and development. The company's main achievements are related to breakthroughs in the fields of oncology, immunology and urology, while at the same time we have not stopped demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Share a bit about the work of Astellas in Bulgaria - do you use the Bulgarian scientific and technological potential? Do you have any R&D activities here?

In Bulgaria, the company participates in clinical trials and research initiatives in order to offer innovative medicines to the Bulgarian market. In our quest to support local healthcare and the well-being of the Bulgarian patient, of course, like any other similar company, we collaborate with the local scientific and healthcare communities.

What difficulties do you encounter in the Bulgarian market? How is our pharma market different from other markets you know well?

Each market has its own unique dynamics, and understanding and adapting to local conditions is essential to success. From this point of view, the comparison with other markets is not always relevant. The challenges in our country are mostly related to regulatory issues, pricing and reimbursement, as well as competition.

How can e-healthcare bring benefits to Bulgarians instead of difficulties?

The development of e-health in Bulgaria can improve access to health care, as well as its efficiency, while reducing the administrative burden and improving health outcomes for the population. Through electronic health care, we have a real chance to eliminate once and for all a number of vicious practices, as long as that type of healthcare services are introduced in an adequate way.

Which Japanese business philosophy and management models form part of your own management approach?

Japanese business philosophy often places a focus on long-term thinking, continuous improvement (Kaizen), and a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. I try to apply these principles in my management style and foster a culture of adaptability and customer orientation.

Share some of your secrets to maintaining good health and vitality?

As in any other field, and in personal health, I believe balance is the key. I have an extremely busy schedule, but I try to find time for sports and quality food whenever possible. I admit to overindulging in coffee at times, but I'm working on it.

How do you imagine the medicine of the future in 10 or 20 years? What will pharmaceutics be like then?

I expect there will be a preponderance of personalized treatment based on genetic and molecular profiles, as well as advanced telemedicine, health technology, and AI-driven remote monitoring and diagnosis systems. Pharmaceutical companies will play a key role in developing targeted therapies and digital solutions to improve not only treatment outcomes but also the quality of life of patients.

Company profile

Astellas is a Japanese pharmaceutical company founded in 2005 through the merger of Yamanouchi and Fujisawa, inheriting and combining almost two centuries of collective experience in the development of innovative medicines. Today, Astellas has a global presence, represented in more than 50 countries around the world and developing a well-balanced business in several main regions – Japan, the Americas, EMEA, Asia and Oceania.

Vision

At Astellas, there is an aspiration for the company to become a value-driven life sciences innovator. For everyone on its teams, this means delivering the best patient outcomes through innovative science.

Responsibility

Astellas has established the Global Health Foundation to support the most disadvantaged communities in middle and low GDP countries. The company develops and supports early access programs as well as an International Pharmacy to facilitate access to certain Astellas therapies in countries where these therapies have not yet received approval.

Values

Patients are at the centre of everything Astellas does. The company invests in numerous internal projects aimed at generating new ideas to improve the condition of our patients. Every year, a competition for innovation in patient solutions is organized, in which all employees can participate. Winners receive funding to realize their projects.

The numbers speak

70+ are the countries in the world where Astellas has a presence, with development centres concentrated in the US, Japan, the UK, and soon in China.

14,000 are the company's employees worldwide, and in the subsidiary for Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece they are 124, of which 28 work in our country.

Astellas is among the TOP 30 pharmaceutical companies by revenue in the world.